ASB MAGAZINE: Future Australian surfing champions will receive further help to ride the wave to success, with Woolworths expanding its commitment to the sport. Under the new partnership, Woolworths will be the driving force behind Surfing Australia’s junior surfing pathway. The partnership now includes the 10-event Woolworths Surfer Groms Comps presented by Wahu series, Surfing Australia’s six affiliated State branches Woolworths State Junior Surfing Titles, with 18 events to be run nationally, and the Woolworths Australian Junior Surfing Team.
The Woolworths Fresh Wave award will also be provided to the best and fairest junior surfers at events.
Woolworths Director of Marketing Andrew Hicks said; “As an Australian brand we’re proud of a partnership that helps develop the future talent of such an iconic Aussie sport.
“With the expanded commitment we’re pleased to be able to support more junior surfers in reaching their potential, as well as inspire a fresh wave of surfing talent to take a healthier path to their future success.
“As the major junior events cross the country we’re also looking forward to being able to connect our customers and store teams with the sport and to celebrate the next generation of champions in local communities in each state.”
Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark said; “We’re thrilled to expand our grassroots junior surfing partnership with Woolworths and to cement them as a top tier major partner of Surfing Australia.
“This is the perfect fit given our aligned values and purpose and we are excited to rollout this truly national reaching junior surfing program with Australia’s fresh food people”
With six-time World Surf League (WSL) Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore already on board as a Woolworths brand ambassador, up and coming WSL World Qualifying Series competitor Soli Bailey will join Gilmore as an ambassador for the partnership.
Soli Bailey said; “I have come through the development pathway that Woolworths is now supporting and to be still connected to it now as I move forward in my career is an honour. I look forward to sharing my experiences with the future stars of the sport.” Stephanie Gilmore added; “Woolworths ongoing commitment is a further boost to our sport and will be instrumental in helping continue the growth of future talent as they learn about developing a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
“These Surfing Australia programs are key to our sports growth and making this wonderful lifestyle accessible for all. Woolworths’ support of surfing is fantastic and I’m so proud to be part of the journey.”
Adding to Woolworths’ partnership assets will be their support of the Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles, Weet-Bix SurfGroms, Surf for Life Project, the Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre (HPC) and the nudie Australian Boardriders Battle including 8 State events and a National Final.
The beach to broadcast partnership will also see Surfing Australia continue to produce content across their digital and broadcast platforms in partnership with Woolworths, including on mySURF.tv and on Surfing Australia TV presented by Woolworths on Channel 9 GO! and Fox Sports.
The Woolworths NSW State Junior Surfing Titles pres. by Ocean and Earth was the first event under the new partnership and supported by Woolworths, Ocean and Earth, HIF, Australian Skin Cancer Clinics, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Big4 Bonny Hills Holiday Park, NBN, Toyota, Mothernest, Havaianas, Ohana Ocean Athletics and Surfing NSW.
Results: Under-18 Boys 1 – Max McGuigan (Maroubra) 2 – Jay Brown (Cronulla)
Under- 18 Girls 1 – Sophia Chapman (Narrabeen) 2 – Bodhi Leigh-Jones (Avalon)
Under-16 Boys 1 – Lennox Chell (Avoca) 2 – Joel Vaughan (Bateau Bay)
Under-16 Girls 1 – Molly Picklum (Shelly Beach) 2 – Carly Shanahan (Wooli)
Via Press Release.
